How to make sure your device is suitable for Windows 11! - Windows 10 support ends this October (2025)!

Please see this great (and short) video - made by our account manager Andrew Wright (thank you!) - to see how to check if your device is able to upgrade to Windows 11 and receive full support.

When Windows 10 support ends later this year, a huge influx of redundant devices will occur. Microsoft has stated that:

“Installing Windows 11 on a device that doesn't meet Windows 11 minimum system requirements isn't recommended. If Windows 11 is installed on ineligible hardware, your device won't receive support from Microsoft, and you should be comfortable assuming the risk of running into compatibility issues.

“Devices that don't meet these system requirements might malfunction due to compatibility or other issues. Additionally, these devices aren't guaranteed to receive updates, including but not limited to security updates.”

ICEX GROUP always focuses on security and sustainability in tech. This makes the situation a bit tricky as, for security reasons, we must recommend an upgrade to Windows 11 prior to the Windows 10 end-of-life (EOL).

We recognise this as a potential problem and also an opportunity for ITAD (IT Asset Disposal/Disposition) and STARR (Secure Technology Asset Revival and/or Relocation) service providers like us. There is concern that companies will face budget constraints from having to upgrade their hardware so it can support Windows 11. The problem for e-waste and sustainability may arise if budgets are constrained, leading to corners being cut. The cutting of corners in this case results in the landfilling of e-waste. This causes terrible pollution, wastes resources and, most importantly (with pollution), directly harms communities, which means human beings, impacted by the landfilling.

If you have any ideas on how to make it more efficient or want to work with us to manage this issue correctly and avoid e-waste going to landfill as much as possible, do get in touch. (0% of all the equipment we process directly goes to landfill - we cannot make absolute guarantees about our entire supply chain, but we always endeavour to use responsible partners and avoid any that are incorrectly disposing of equipment or parts.)

So, please use a properly certified ITAD (and STARR) service provider for your requirements when having to manage the Windows 10 EOL and Windows 11 upgrades. Look around, we think ICEX GROUP is a good option ;)

For anything to do with IT Asset lifecycle management, please reach out to us at any time. We’d love to talk about how we help IT departments with sustainability and budget responsibility (including value from rebates) and all whilst maintaining the highest security standards.